OUR SERVICES
EMERGENCIES: 911
Patrol
The Patrol Bureau provides a variety of protective and security services designed for the preservation of life and personal safety of the university community and the protection of personal and university property. The bureau works to prevent crime through aggressive community-oriented policing and visible patrol methods.
The Patrol Division has a lieutenant, two sergeants and at least 10 to 15 officers for each shift. Officers patrol by vehicle, bike and foot.
The Police Department started the Bike Patrol Unit more than 15 years ago. It has 21 officers assigned to the unit. Bike patrols by uniform officers enhance community engagement and are very popular with members of the university community, which finds bike patrol officers are more approachable and easier to talk with than officers in vehicles.
A very welcomed and unpredictable advantage of bike patrol is that it enables officers to experience community policing in its ideal state. Officers are able to interact with bike patrol officers from Atlanta Police, MARTA Police, Georgia Building Authority and the Centennial Park Bike Patrol Police. The bike program has become one of the best community-oriented policing tools being used today.
Pedestrian Safety
The Pedestrian Safety Traffic Team was formed in 2002 in conjunction with Crime Prevention and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to assist with traffic enforcement and pedestrian safety within the campus and in downtown Atlanta. The team’s goal is to help ensure safety on the streets of Atlanta and to maintain a pedestrian-friendly traffic environment.
This unit emphasizes:
- Pedestrian education for crosswalks
- Distribution of PEDs pamphlets
- Traffic stops and citations for moving violations
- Jaywalking citations
- A pedestrian shall obey the instructions of a traffic-control device. (O.C.G.A. 40-6-90)
- The driver of a vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the roadway within a crosswalk. (O.C.G.A. 40-6-91)
- Whenever a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk, another shall not overtake or pass such stopped vehicle.
- A pedestrian shall yield the right of way to all vehicles outside a marked crosswalk. (O.C.G.A. 40-6-91)
- A pedestrian shall not suddenly walk in front of traffic when it is impractical for the driver to yield.
- Where a sidewalk is provided, it shall be unlawful for a pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway. (O.C.G.A. 40-6-96)
- When making a turn, vehicles must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians crossing legally inside a crosswalk. (O.C.G.A. 40-6-21)
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
- Look to see if cars are approaching the intersection to turn.
- Be aware of what the traffic lights indicate.
- Be attentive to the crossing signal and be mindful of its instructions.
- Don’t walk in front of traffic when it is impractical for the driver to yield.
- If you walk outside a crosswalk you must yield the right of way to vehicles.
- Vehicles should stop and remain stopped to allow you to cross the roadway within a crosswalk.
- Whenever a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk, watch for other vehicles approaching.
- Walk with confidence, shoulders back and head up. Look around, be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something does not look or feel right, stop to see what has triggered your fear. Do not ignore your instincts. They are your first line of defense.
- Walk in groups. There is safety in numbers.
- If you sense that you are being followed, change your direction or pace. If the person following you do likewise, seek a safe place where there are people and lights and bring attention to yourself. Try to remember an accurate description of the suspect.
- Avoid undesirable areas or shortcuts. If you make a wrong turn, go back immediately. Don’t take chances.
- If approached on the street, make brief, stern eye contact and continue walking. If someone insists on talking, acknowledge his or her presence with a nod and continue walking. Do not stop and engage in a conversation.
- Never get into a vehicle, even if forced at the point of a gun. Your chance of survival on the street is better than in a vehicle or remote location of the abductor’s choice.
Remember, our streets are not just for cars. We share them with pedestrians, bicyclists and public transit. By knowing the rules, we can help make Atlanta’s streets safer.
Investigations
The Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) is comprised of the following units:
- Criminal Investigations Division
- Background Investigation Unit
- Crime and Intelligence Analysis Unit
- Property and Evidence Unit
Criminal Investigations Division is tasked with investigating criminal cases that are reported to the University Police Department. Their responsibilities include responding to crime scenes, conducting follow-ups investigations, presenting cases for prosecution and participation in the court process.
The Background Investigation Unit works with the recruit and hiring unit to conduct background investigation on all applications to the police department who have successfully completed all previous phases of the selection process and are eligible to continue in the hiring process. Background investigation includes but is not limited to reviews of the following: criminal record, financial history, military record, current and previous employment history and references.
The Crime and Intelligence Analysis Unit provided statistical and other information to aid operational personnel in crime prevention techniques by identifying and reporting on emerging and continuing crime trends and patterns.
The Property and Evidence Unit maintains items received by the police department for safekeeping, found property and evidence in criminal cases. Items being held for safekeeping and lost property are held for 90 days and then disposed of according to Georgia law. Items held as evidence are disposed of 90 day after the completion of the criminal case or in accordance with Georgia Law. To inquire on found property, call (404) 413-3234.
Community Outreach
The Community Outreach Team is composed of 10 members who are responsible for Crime Prevention and Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement. Crime Prevention provides brochures, presentations, video notices, social media campaigns and surveys to boost crime prevention awareness on campus, as well as similar programs to university partners and local elementary, middle and high schools. Any university department or organization may request a premise survey from Crime Prevention. These surveys provide information about the criminal history of the facility, crime risk and suggestions on how to eliminate or reduce the risk of crime.
Fight to Flight
Individual groups/organizations or departments can request this class by contacting the Community Outreach and Crime Prevention Team at [email protected] or 404-413-3213.
The “Fight to Flight” program informs women of techniques to prevent and escape from an attack. The goal of the program is to enable a person to maintain a level of alertness in order to be prepared to avoid an attack, how to identify methods of prevention and precaution against an attack, how to identify and use passive and combative resistance against an attack and how to identify the steps to take after an attack/sexual assault.
Campus Housing Safety
Office Safety
Premises Surveys
Take Back Initiative
- It’s not okay to use expired medication for uses other than prescribed.
- It’s not okay for friends and family to use your drugs, with or without your permission.
- Prescription drug abuse affects entire communities.
- Flushing drugs puts them in our water supply, adversely affecting communities and marine life.
- Disposing of unused drugs is easy, simple, safe and anonymous (no needles, please).
- GSU Main Campus: Police Department Lobby at 15 Edgewood Ave.
- GSU Perimeter College: G Building, Room 1100 at 3251 Panthersville Rd.
- GSU Newton Campus: Police Department Lobby
- GSU Clarkston Campus: Police Precinct Lobby
- GSU Dunwoody Campus: Student Center (NB) Main Entrance Lobby
HOPE Team
Key Control
The president, provost, vice presidents, deans and department heads are authorized to grant access to facilities within their areas of responsibility that are designated level 1, “General Access.” Department heads and above may grant access to areas assigned security levels 2 through 5, only when those areas are under their direct control.
The president, provost, vice presidents, deans, department heads and department chairs shall designate persons to authorize access to buildings. The persons authorized to grant access or issue keys shall sign the authorization form(s) granting access or issuing keys to individuals. Access is granted only on the basis of a proven need. The Authorized Requestor will have access to the Building Access Ticketing Form using Service Now. The vice president for finance and administration or the chief of police may deny access to any individual who has proven himself/herself to be untrustworthy in their relationship, as it relates to the security of the Georgia State campuses.
Persons needing keys/access must come to the Key Control/Access office with their Panther Card or photo identification to pick up a key. Access will be granted electronically.
Once the ticket has been submitted, the key will be issued or access will be granted within two business days.
If a key is lost, a fee will be charged to the key holder for keys not returned that were issued after July 1, 2011. Keys issued prior to July 1, 2011, are also subject to charges based on the type of key that was issued. During the clearance process when an employee leaves the university, a representative from Key Control will need to indicate that the employee has no outstanding obligations. If an employee does not complete the clearance process, any regular pay and vacation pay due to the employee may be delayed. This adheres to the university’s clearance policy.
Door Key: $15
Door Hardware (cylinder) & Key: $35
Master Key: $35/door
Security Guard
The security guards are used to provide protective services to various campus locations, perform personal safety escorts and other non-critical services, freeing police officers from less critical duties in order to devote more time to essential services. There are more than 100 full-time security guards in several buildings across six campuses to monitor access and egress to buildings, review alarms and surveillance cameras, and report emergency situations and suspicious activities to the Georgia State Police Communications Center.
Safety Escorts & Vehicle Assists
Safety Escorts are available 24/7 to nearby parking decks, public and private parking lots, bus stops and train stations. You can request this service anytime you feel unsafe in your travels around campus by calling 404-413-3333. Our new “Ride Safe” option is available from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., Monday-Friday (See Route Map). Rides can be scheduled using the Live Safe App or by calling 404-413-3333.
Vehicle Assists Service is available to aid stranded motorists with dead batteries to help them get safely on their way. For a vehicle assist, call 404-413-3333.
Office of Emergency Management
As part of the University Police Department, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is charged with coordinating and integrating all activities necessary to build, sustain and improve the university’s capability to mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made emergencies. OEM strives to accomplish this mission by managing the collective University Emergency Management Program; creating, revising and maintaining university-wide policy and plans related to emergency operations, essential communications and strategic security initiatives.
The University Emergency Management Program comprises the following major components:
- University Emergency Management Policy
- University Emergency Response Organization
- University Emergency Operations Plan
- University Emergency Notification Systems
- University Hazard Vulnerability Assessment
- University Business Continuity Plans
- University Emergency Notification Guidelines and Procedures (Communication Plans)
- Building Emergency Coordinator Program
- Physical Security Functions
- CPR/AED/First Aid Program
- Routine emergency training exercises (which may be drills, and table-top, functional and full-scale exercises)
- Operation and management of the Emergency Operations Center
Patrol
The Patrol Bureau provides a variety of protective and security services designed for the preservation of life and personal safety of the university community and the protection of personal and university property. The bureau works to prevent crime through aggressive community-oriented policing and visible patrol methods.
The Patrol Division has a lieutenant, two sergeants and at least 10 to 15 officers for each shift. Officers patrol by vehicle, bike and foot.
The Police Department started the Bike Patrol Unit more than 15 years ago. It has 21 officers assigned to the unit. Bike patrols by uniform officers enhance community engagement and are very popular with members of the university community, which finds bike patrol officers are more approachable and easier to talk with than officers in vehicles.
A very welcomed and unpredictable advantage of bike patrol is that it enables officers to experience community policing in its ideal state. Officers are able to interact with bike patrol officers from Atlanta Police, MARTA Police, Georgia Building Authority and the Centennial Park Bike Patrol Police. The bike program has become one of the best community-oriented policing tools being used today.
Pedestrian Safety
The Pedestrian Safety Traffic Team was formed in 2002 in conjunction with Crime Prevention and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to assist with traffic enforcement and pedestrian safety within the campus and in downtown Atlanta. The team’s goal is to help ensure safety on the streets of Atlanta and to maintain a pedestrian-friendly traffic environment.
This unit emphasizes:
- Pedestrian education for crosswalks
- Distribution of PEDs pamphlets
- Traffic stops and citations for moving violations
- Jaywalking citations
- A pedestrian shall obey the instructions of a traffic-control device. (O.C.G.A. 40-6-90)
- The driver of a vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the roadway within a crosswalk. (O.C.G.A. 40-6-91)
- Whenever a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk, another shall not overtake or pass such stopped vehicle.
- A pedestrian shall yield the right of way to all vehicles outside a marked crosswalk. (O.C.G.A. 40-6-91)
- A pedestrian shall not suddenly walk in front of traffic when it is impractical for the driver to yield.
- Where a sidewalk is provided, it shall be unlawful for a pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway. (O.C.G.A. 40-6-96)
- When making a turn, vehicles must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians crossing legally inside a crosswalk. (O.C.G.A. 40-6-21)
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
- Look to see if cars are approaching the intersection to turn.
- Be aware of what the traffic lights indicate.
- Be attentive to the crossing signal and be mindful of its instructions.
- Don’t walk in front of traffic when it is impractical for the driver to yield.
- If you walk outside a crosswalk you must yield the right of way to vehicles.
- Vehicles should stop and remain stopped to allow you to cross the roadway within a crosswalk.
- Whenever a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk, watch for other vehicles approaching.
- Walk with confidence, shoulders back and head up. Look around, be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something does not look or feel right, stop to see what has triggered your fear. Do not ignore your instincts. They are your first line of defense.
- Walk in groups. There is safety in numbers.
- If you sense that you are being followed, change your direction or pace. If the person following you do likewise, seek a safe place where there are people and lights and bring attention to yourself. Try to remember an accurate description of the suspect.
- Avoid undesirable areas or shortcuts. If you make a wrong turn, go back immediately. Don’t take chances.
- If approached on the street, make brief, stern eye contact and continue walking. If someone insists on talking, acknowledge his or her presence with a nod and continue walking. Do not stop and engage in a conversation.
- Never get into a vehicle, even if forced at the point of a gun. Your chance of survival on the street is better than in a vehicle or remote location of the abductor’s choice.
Remember, our streets are not just for cars. We share them with pedestrians, bicyclists and public transit. By knowing the rules, we can help make Atlanta’s streets safer.
Investigations
The Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) is comprised of the following units:
- Criminal Investigations Division
- Background Investigation Unit
- Crime and Intelligence Analysis Unit
- Property and Evidence Unit
Criminal Investigations Division is tasked with investigating criminal cases that are reported to the University Police Department. Their responsibilities include responding to crime scenes, conducting follow-ups investigations, presenting cases for prosecution and participation in the court process.
The Background Investigation Unit works with the recruit and hiring unit to conduct background investigation on all applications to the police department who have successfully completed all previous phases of the selection process and are eligible to continue in the hiring process. Background investigation includes but is not limited to reviews of the following: criminal record, financial history, military record, current and previous employment history and references.
The Crime and Intelligence Analysis Unit provided statistical and other information to aid operational personnel in crime prevention techniques by identifying and reporting on emerging and continuing crime trends and patterns.
The Property and Evidence Unit maintains items received by the police department for safekeeping, found property and evidence in criminal cases. Items being held for safekeeping and lost property are held for 90 days and then disposed of according to Georgia law. Items held as evidence are disposed of 90 day after the completion of the criminal case or in accordance with Georgia Law. To inquire on found property, call (404) 413-3234.
Community Outreach
The Community Outreach Team is composed of 10 members who are responsible for Crime Prevention and Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement. Crime Prevention provides brochures, presentations, video notices, social media campaigns and surveys to boost crime prevention awareness on campus, as well as similar programs to university partners and local elementary, middle and high schools. Any university department or organization may request a premise survey from Crime Prevention. These surveys provide information about the criminal history of the facility, crime risk and suggestions on how to eliminate or reduce the risk of crime.
Safety Escort
Fight to Flight
Individual groups/organizations or departments can request this class by contacting the Community Outreach and Crime Prevention Team at [email protected] or 404-413-3213.
The “Fight to Flight” program informs women of techniques to prevent and escape from an attack. The goal of the program is to enable a person to maintain a level of alertness in order to be prepared to avoid an attack, how to identify methods of prevention and precaution against an attack, how to identify and use passive and combative resistance against an attack and how to identify the steps to take after an attack/sexual assault.
Campus Housing Safety
Office Safety
Premises Surveys
Take Back Initiative
- It’s not okay to use expired medication for uses other than prescribed.
- It’s not okay for friends and family to use your drugs, with or without your permission.
- Prescription drug abuse affects entire communities.
- Flushing drugs puts them in our water supply, adversely affecting communities and marine life.
- Disposing of unused drugs is easy, simple, safe and anonymous (no needles, please).
- GSU Main Campus: Police Department Lobby at 15 Edgewood Ave.
- GSU Perimeter College: G Building, Room 1100 at 3251 Panthersville Rd.
- GSU Newton Campus: Police Department Lobby
- GSU Clarkston Campus: Police Precinct Lobby
- GSU Dunwoody Campus: Student Center (NB) Main Entrance Lobby
HOPE Team
Key Control
The president, provost, vice presidents, deans and department heads are authorized to grant access to facilities within their areas of responsibility that are designated level 1, “General Access.” Department heads and above may grant access to areas assigned security levels 2 through 5, only when those areas are under their direct control.
The president, provost, vice presidents, deans, department heads and department chairs shall designate persons to authorize access to buildings. The persons authorized to grant access or issue keys shall sign the authorization form(s) granting access or issuing keys to individuals. Access is granted only on the basis of a proven need. The Authorized Requestor will have access to the Building Access Ticketing Form using Service Now. The vice president for finance and administration or the chief of police may deny access to any individual who has proven himself/herself to be untrustworthy in their relationship, as it relates to the security of the Georgia State campuses.
Persons needing keys/access must come to the Key Control/Access office with their Panther Card or photo identification to pick up a key. Access will be granted electronically.
Once the ticket has been submitted, the key will be issued or access will be granted within two business days.
Lost Key Policy
If a key is lost, a fee will be charged to the key holder for keys not returned that were issued after July 1, 2011. Keys issued prior to July 1, 2011, are also subject to charges based on the type of key that was issued. During the clearance process when an employee leaves the university, a representative from Key Control will need to indicate that the employee has no outstanding obligations. If an employee does not complete the clearance process, any regular pay and vacation pay due to the employee may be delayed. This adheres to the university’s clearance policy.
Door Key: $15
Door Hardware (cylinder) & Key: $35
Master Key: $35/door
Security Guard
The security guards are used to provide protective services to various campus locations, perform personal safety escorts and other non-critical services, freeing police officers from less critical duties in order to devote more time to essential services. There are more than 100 full-time security guards in several buildings across six campuses to monitor access and egress to buildings, review alarms and surveillance cameras, and report emergency situations and suspicious activities to the Georgia State Police Communications Center.
Safety Escorts & Vehicle Assists
Safety Escorts are available 24/7 to nearby parking decks, public and private parking lots, bus stops and train stations. You can request this service anytime you feel unsafe in your travels around campus by calling 404-413-3333. Our new “Ride Safe” option is available from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., Monday-Friday (See Route Map). Rides can be scheduled using the Live Safe App or by calling 404-413-3333.
Vehicle Assists Service is available to aid stranded motorists with dead batteries to help them get safely on their way. For a vehicle assist, call 404-413-3333.
Office of Emergency Managment
As part of the University Police Department, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is charged with coordinating and integrating all activities necessary to build, sustain and improve the university’s capability to mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made emergencies. OEM strives to accomplish this mission by managing the collective University Emergency Management Program; creating, revising and maintaining university-wide policy and plans related to emergency operations, essential communications and strategic security initiatives.
The University Emergency Management Program comprises the following major components:
- University Emergency Management Policy
- University Emergency Response Organization
- University Emergency Operations Plan
- University Emergency Notification Systems
- University Hazard Vulnerability Assessment
- University Business Continuity Plans
- University Emergency Notification Guidelines and Procedures (Communication Plans)
- Building Emergency Coordinator Program
- Physical Security Functions
- CPR/AED/First Aid Program
- Routine emergency training exercises (which may be drills, and table-top, functional and full-scale exercises)
- Operation and management of the Emergency Operations Center